Sunflower Sea Stars Conservation Issues

Sunflower sea stars, once common from Mexico to Alaska, have seen a 90% population decline due to sea star wasting syndrome, earning them a critically endangered status. This epidemic, the largest marine wildlife disease outbreak, has severely impacted marine ecosystems, particularly kelp forests, by removing a key predator. Research and conservation efforts, including breeding programs, aim to understand and mitigate these effects, with some remnant populations found in British Columbia. Despite the drastic decline, there is hope for recovery and a need for continued attention.

What has caused the sunflower sea stars to become critically endangered?

• Climate change

• Sea star wasting syndrome

• Pollution

• Overfishing

What percentage of the sunflower sea star population has been lost?

• 50%

• 70%

• 90%

• 30%

What is the primary consequence of the loss of sunflower sea stars on marine ecosystems?

• More coral reefs

• Improved water quality

• Decline in kelp forests

• Increase in fish population

What role do sunflower sea stars play in marine ecosystems?

• They are primary producers

• They are decomposers

• They are scavengers

• They are important predators

How many surveys have been conducted to study the sunflower sea star populations?

• Over 10,000

• Over 20,000

• Over 61,000

• Over 100,000

Where have potential remnant populations of sunflower sea stars been found?

• In the deepwater fjords of British Columbia

• In the Gulf of Mexico

• In the Great Barrier Reef

• In the Mediterranean Sea

What organization is leading the efforts to breed sunflower stars in captivity?

• Greenpeace

• Ocean Conservancy

• The Nature Conservancy

• World Wildlife Fund

What is the current status of sunflower sea stars according to the IUCN Red List?

• Vulnerable

• Extinct

• Critically Endangered

• Endangered

What percentage of the sunflower sea star population still exists?

• 5%

• 10%

• 30%

• 20%

What is the potential impact of the reemergence of sunflower stars on their habitats?

• No impact

• Negative impact

• Neutral impact

• Positive ripple effects